Lutz schools Letterman...
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Lutz schools Letterman...
http://www.freep.com/article/2009052...+for+Letterman
Bob Lutz, super salesman.
Fifteen minutes talking to General Motors Corp.'s vice chairman converted talk show host David Letterman from dismissing the Chevrolet Volt electric car as “a piece of crap” to asking: “Can I buy the first one?”
Letterman had mocked the Volt on “The Late Show” a few weeks ago, saying its batteries only had enough power to get to the end of his driveway.
“Like so many things in my life, I’m woefully ignorant” about the Volt, Letterman said after learning the car’s onboard generator provides a range of 300 to 400 miles.
When Lutz told Letterman other people had already requested the first Volt to roll off the assembly line, Letterman responded they could have the car when they put Lutz on their television shows.
In the course of a long interview that concluded with a Volt gliding onstage under electric power, Lutz explained the Volt’s operation and praised the Obama administration.
“We’re working together very well,” he said. “I think their vision is that (the U.S. auto industry) is, will be phoenix rising from the ashes and that we’ll create a new and vastly more competitive American automobile industry as we come out of this. And that the jobs will return over time.”
Standing by the Volt with Lutz as the program ended, Letterman said, “Let’s hope for the best, not only for production of these cars, but for getting folks back to work.”
The Volt should go on sale in November 2010. Lutz said it will cost about $40,000, minus $7,500 in government incentives.
Bob Lutz, super salesman.
Fifteen minutes talking to General Motors Corp.'s vice chairman converted talk show host David Letterman from dismissing the Chevrolet Volt electric car as “a piece of crap” to asking: “Can I buy the first one?”
Letterman had mocked the Volt on “The Late Show” a few weeks ago, saying its batteries only had enough power to get to the end of his driveway.
“Like so many things in my life, I’m woefully ignorant” about the Volt, Letterman said after learning the car’s onboard generator provides a range of 300 to 400 miles.
When Lutz told Letterman other people had already requested the first Volt to roll off the assembly line, Letterman responded they could have the car when they put Lutz on their television shows.
In the course of a long interview that concluded with a Volt gliding onstage under electric power, Lutz explained the Volt’s operation and praised the Obama administration.
“We’re working together very well,” he said. “I think their vision is that (the U.S. auto industry) is, will be phoenix rising from the ashes and that we’ll create a new and vastly more competitive American automobile industry as we come out of this. And that the jobs will return over time.”
Standing by the Volt with Lutz as the program ended, Letterman said, “Let’s hope for the best, not only for production of these cars, but for getting folks back to work.”
The Volt should go on sale in November 2010. Lutz said it will cost about $40,000, minus $7,500 in government incentives.
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Yea I'm sure Letterman knows more about the Volt than his jokes would seem but his motives as an entertainer are for ratings.
That was good of Lutz to go on the show and discuss the differences in Volt vs. Tesla in a way that normal people can understand.
That was good of Lutz to go on the show and discuss the differences in Volt vs. Tesla in a way that normal people can understand.
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From: Indianapolis, IN
LOL, Lutz praising Obama's administration. What's he going to do, come out and say that he didn't vote for the guy and he sucks? I'd most likely speak nicely, more or less, about MY new boss as well, if I were on TV... 
*sigh*
*sigh*
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I think he did a good job. It was obvious he was nervous. He's not an entertainer or a comedian or a celebrity. He's a business man. So excuse him for not being mister personality.
A few points I wish he had made:
1) When Dave kept on asking Lutz if Lutz thought patriotism should lead to more Americans buying fuel efficient cars to get off foreign oil. Lutz kept ducking the question or maybe he just didn't understand what Dave was asking.
Lutz should have answered; "it should, but apparently it doesn't".
2) When talking about the range numbers. Dave kept on saying how the Tesla can go 200 miles on a charge and the Volt can go 40 miles. Bob should have made it clear that when you've gone 200 miles in the Tesla, that's it. You're dead on the side of the road. And he should have pushed how the Volt has a small engine that can keep charging the battery so that the car can keep moving (although he did talk about that, but it was in different context).
3) Bob should have given out the total COMBINED range of the Volt. Electric AND gas.
4) Bob should have hammered on Tesla buy saying their cars cost $100,000 and can only seat 2 people but the Volt will be about $40,000 and can seat 4 people. He touched on those facts here & there but he should have put it all together in one strong statement.
5) He should NOT have mentioned the $100,000 638hp Corvette ZR1. Most average people don't want to hear about expensive sports cars right now.
But overall, I thought it was good. Hopefully it will sway some people to the General's corner.
A few points I wish he had made:
1) When Dave kept on asking Lutz if Lutz thought patriotism should lead to more Americans buying fuel efficient cars to get off foreign oil. Lutz kept ducking the question or maybe he just didn't understand what Dave was asking.
Lutz should have answered; "it should, but apparently it doesn't".
2) When talking about the range numbers. Dave kept on saying how the Tesla can go 200 miles on a charge and the Volt can go 40 miles. Bob should have made it clear that when you've gone 200 miles in the Tesla, that's it. You're dead on the side of the road. And he should have pushed how the Volt has a small engine that can keep charging the battery so that the car can keep moving (although he did talk about that, but it was in different context).
3) Bob should have given out the total COMBINED range of the Volt. Electric AND gas.
4) Bob should have hammered on Tesla buy saying their cars cost $100,000 and can only seat 2 people but the Volt will be about $40,000 and can seat 4 people. He touched on those facts here & there but he should have put it all together in one strong statement.
5) He should NOT have mentioned the $100,000 638hp Corvette ZR1. Most average people don't want to hear about expensive sports cars right now.
But overall, I thought it was good. Hopefully it will sway some people to the General's corner.
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http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php
- 300 mile range
- 45 minute QuickCharge
- 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
- Seats 7 people
- More Cargo space than sedans
- 2X as efficient as hybrids
- 17 inch infotainment touchscreen
"With a range up to 300 miles and 45-minute QuickCharge, the Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort – and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. World’s first mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility for a base price of $49,900*, making it the only car you’ll ever need."
- 45 minute QuickCharge
- 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
- Seats 7 people
- More Cargo space than sedans
- 2X as efficient as hybrids
- 17 inch infotainment touchscreen
"With a range up to 300 miles and 45-minute QuickCharge, the Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort – and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. World’s first mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility for a base price of $49,900*, making it the only car you’ll ever need."
Last edited by jg95z28; May 21, 2009 at 03:04 PM. Reason: link added
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I think he did a good job. It was obvious he was nervous. He's not an entertainer or a comedian or a celebrity. He's a business man. So excuse him for not being mister personality.
A few points I wish he had made:
1) When Dave kept on asking Lutz if Lutz thought patriotism should lead to more Americans buying fuel efficient cars to get off foreign oil. Lutz kept ducking the question or maybe he just didn't understand what Dave was asking.
Lutz should have answered; "it should, but apparently it doesn't".
2) When talking about the range numbers. Dave kept on saying how the Tesla can go 200 miles on a charge and the Volt can go 40 miles. Bob should have made it clear that when you've gone 200 miles in the Tesla, that's it. You're dead on the side of the road. And he should have pushed how the Volt has a small engine that can keep charging the battery so that the car can keep moving (although he did talk about that, but it was in different context).
3) Bob should have given out the total COMBINED range of the Volt. Electric AND gas.
4) Bob should have hammered on Tesla buy saying their cars cost $100,000 and can only seat 2 people but the Volt will be about $40,000 and can seat 4 people. He touched on those facts here & there but he should have put it all together in one strong statement.
5) He should NOT have mentioned the $100,000 638hp Corvette ZR1. Most average people don't want to hear about expensive sports cars right now.
But overall, I thought it was good. Hopefully it will sway some people to the General's corner.
A few points I wish he had made:
1) When Dave kept on asking Lutz if Lutz thought patriotism should lead to more Americans buying fuel efficient cars to get off foreign oil. Lutz kept ducking the question or maybe he just didn't understand what Dave was asking.
Lutz should have answered; "it should, but apparently it doesn't".
2) When talking about the range numbers. Dave kept on saying how the Tesla can go 200 miles on a charge and the Volt can go 40 miles. Bob should have made it clear that when you've gone 200 miles in the Tesla, that's it. You're dead on the side of the road. And he should have pushed how the Volt has a small engine that can keep charging the battery so that the car can keep moving (although he did talk about that, but it was in different context).
3) Bob should have given out the total COMBINED range of the Volt. Electric AND gas.
4) Bob should have hammered on Tesla buy saying their cars cost $100,000 and can only seat 2 people but the Volt will be about $40,000 and can seat 4 people. He touched on those facts here & there but he should have put it all together in one strong statement.
5) He should NOT have mentioned the $100,000 638hp Corvette ZR1. Most average people don't want to hear about expensive sports cars right now.
But overall, I thought it was good. Hopefully it will sway some people to the General's corner.
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Posts: 669
From: Arcadia, OK
However the Volt will be out about the same time as the Tesla Model S, which is about half the price of the Roadster and can seat up to 7 passengers with the jump seat and burns no fossil fuels.
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php
- 300 mile range
- 45 minute QuickCharge
- 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
- Seats 7 people
- More Cargo space than sedans
- 2X as efficient as hybrids
- 17 inch infotainment touchscreen
"With a range up to 300 miles and 45-minute QuickCharge, the Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort – and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. World’s first mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility for a base price of $49,900*, making it the only car you’ll ever need."
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php
- 300 mile range
- 45 minute QuickCharge
- 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
- Seats 7 people
- More Cargo space than sedans
- 2X as efficient as hybrids
- 17 inch infotainment touchscreen
"With a range up to 300 miles and 45-minute QuickCharge, the Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort – and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. World’s first mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility for a base price of $49,900*, making it the only car you’ll ever need."
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From: TX Med Ctr
That quote is misleading. It makes it sound like you can buy a $49,900 car with a 300-mile range and can be charged in 45 minutes from any outlet. 300-mile battery is an extra-cost option, as is the FastCharger, which must have a dedicated high-amperage circuit. A full charge from an ordinary 110v outlet would take a day or so. And the standard battery is 160-mile range. And assuming GM is still in business, I would bet the Volt will beat this Tesla to market by at least a year.
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Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
That quote is misleading. It makes it sound like you can buy a $49,900 car with a 300-mile range and can be charged in 45 minutes from any outlet. 300-mile battery is an extra-cost option, as is the FastCharger, which must have a dedicated high-amperage circuit. A full charge from an ordinary 110v outlet would take a day or so. And the standard battery is 160-mile range. And assuming GM is still in business, I would bet the Volt will beat this Tesla to market by at least a year.
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Posts: 2,712
From: Ontario
The other point glossed over is that Tesla is in very difficult financial straits right now. It's fine for Dave to say "why can Tesla do it but not a major manufacturer", but until Tesla can do it without going broke, well, you have the answer.
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Posts: 3,650
From: Indianapolis, IN
However the Volt will be out about the same time as the Tesla Model S, which is about half the price of the Roadster and can seat up to 7 passengers with the jump seat and burns no fossil fuels.
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php